The Player - A slippery wingman who has enjoyed great success when starting in the centre square due to his ability to clear from the stoppages. Sits behind Swan, Pendlebury, Ball and Thomas in the midfield pecking order in the eyes of those outside the club, but is rated extremely highly for his ability to complement the bigger names. Can push forward where he is more than handy for a goal or two, such as in the qualifying final win over West Coast in 2011 when he bagged three majors. Is quick and difficult to tackle, and has averaged 87 tackles in his past 44 games.
2011
Played in the pre-season premiership and continued to build his reputation in the regular season. Gathered 26 possessions against the Western Bulldogs in round six and kicked three in the win over Adelaide in round nine. Saved his finest for the Queen’s Birthday when he stepped up in the absence of Swan and Thomas to find a career-high 37 disposals.
Remained steady for the next month until he strained his groin, meaning he played only one of the next five matches. Was critical to the win over the Eagles in the qualifying final with three important goals. Struggled to find his best in the two other finals, though, meaning he will be keen to return to the heights of 2010 next year.
2010
In what loomed as a make or break season for Wellingham, the slippery midfielder ended the year as a fixture in the team and, more importantly, a premiership player. He developed into a low profile but highly effective fifth string midfielder, with bigger names such as Swan, Pendlebury, Ball and Thomas stealing the limelight. Missed only two games (due to a calf injury), averaged 19.5 disposals, and 4.0 tackles, and became increasingly important around the stoppages, where he averaged 3.6 clearances.
Was dangerous around goal, kicking 15.18 for the year and kicking two goals on six occasions. Had at least 20 possessions in each of his first seven games, dominating against Carlton in round six with 23 disposals, two goals and seven tackles. Broke through for three well deserved Brownlow votes in round 19 against the Cats. His premiership chances looked in danger when he injured his ankle in the qualifying final, but he was fit to play in the preliminary final where his pressure and ability to find space in attack hurt Geelong dearly.
Like many of his teammates he had a quiet first Grand Final, but returned to form in the replay with 20 disposals and two second half goals, including one at the start of the third quarter that sparked a five goal rampage.
2009
Made some big strides, particularly in the second half of the season. Didn’t get a senior look in until round six when he was a late replacement for Heath Shaw against North Melbourne. Only missed four games from there on, and was an emergency for three of them.
Omitted for the qualifying final, he was recalled immediately for the semi final where he made an impact with an important goal right on half time. Won 20 or more possessions in five games, but never looked completely sure of his place in the senior line up.
2008
Started the year disastrously, when he was caught drink-driving in January. It resulted in the club losing its partnership with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). Bounced back quickly when he was promoted off the rookie list when Brad Dick was sidelined for the season in March.
Played in the VFL for the first five rounds but was a late inclusion on Anzac Day where he looked every inch a league footballer on the way to winning 17 possessions. Was omitted but returned the following week, starting an unbroken six week stint in the seniors. His season peaked in the round eight demolition of Geelong when he won 19 disposals and set a cracking pace in the first quarter with his tackling.
Played a total of 12 senior games, but none after round 21 when he was absent with a groin injury. Was an emergency for three games.
2007
Wore the No 41, and played 15 senior games (and five in the reserves) for Williamstown in the VFL. He kicked five goals in the seniors, and was named in the best twice. Did enough to be retained on the rookie list for 2008.
2006
Played in the Colts for Perth in the WAFL, with three reserves games. Named on the wing in the WA Colts Team of the Year. His speed and agility shone through at the WA state screening. Arrived at Collingwood with the 10th selection in the Rookie Draft.
Debut
Round 6, 2008 v Essendon at the MCG.
Milestones
- 50th Game - Preliminary Final 2010 v Geelong at the MCG.
Draft History
2006 AFL Rookie Draft 1st round No. 10 overall;
2008 rookie elevation (Collingwood).
